Following a “Path of Growth” from Tech to Broadway to Luxury Real Estate with Morgan Higgins

Earning Trust & Winning Luxury Deals with Richard Rojas

Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina, Episode 11 In this episode of Dominate Real Estate!, Taliya Bashani & Carina Tom speak with Richard Rojas, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at SERHANT. With over a decade of experience in New York City’s luxury real estate market, Richard has closed over $200 million in sales, specializing in townhouses, new developments, and high-end condos. Known for his white-glove service and client-first approach, he shares how relationships, trust, and strategy drive long-term success in a competitive market. From his roots in the Bronx as the son of Dominican immigrants to advising high-net-worth clients, Richard brings a perspective shaped by discipline and hustle. With a background in finance and advertising, including Univision, he blends analytics and marketing to elevate properties and create real opportunities for his clients. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Richard sharing his journey from the Bronx to luxury real estate, shaped by his upbringing, early career in finance and marketing, and a drive to build meaningful client relationships and generational wealth * How Richard broke into the luxury market by delivering a white-glove experience, turning a rental client into a high-net-worth buyer through trust and long-term relationships * Richard’s approach to winning business by staying honest, identifying client needs, and creating demand through proactive effort, including generating off-market interest and door-knocking * Richard’s transition from solo agent to team, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the principle of “first you work to learn, then you work to earn” * His negotiation framework focused on understanding needs, leveraging position, and knowing when to walk away to secure the best outcome for clients Learn more about Richard Rojas: * View Richard’s profile on serhant.com: https://serhant.com/agents/richard-rojas [https://serhant.com/agents/richard-rojas] * Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richrojas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richrojas/] * Follow Richard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestaterich [https://www.instagram.com/realestaterich/] * Follow Richard’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateRich_/featured [https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateRich_/featured] *********************************** Check out our sponsor, Ari Brody @ Cross Country Mortgage M 845.304.8518 | D 646.586.3182 | W http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody [http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody] | E arib@ccm.com [arib@ccm.com] *********************************** About Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: Welcome to the world of luxurious real estate and inspiring success stories with the Dominate Real Estate Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Taliya Bashani, a top real estate attorney, and Carina Tom, the president of New World Connect Title. Watch or listen to more episodes of Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: * Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG [https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG] * Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ] Connect and learn more from your hosts, Taliya & Carina: * Follow Taliya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq [https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq] * Connect with Carina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb] * Connect with Taliya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386]

Building a Luxury Real Estate Brand with Nicole Hay

Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina, Episode 10 In this episode of Dominate Real Estate!, Taliya Bashani & Carina Tom speak with Nicole Hay, Founder and Team Leader of the Nicole Hay Team at Compass. Recognized among the Top 1.5% of agents nationwide by RealTrends and The Wall Street Journal, Nicole has built a reputation as a trusted advisor in New York City’s luxury real estate market. Known for her strategic approach, negotiation skills, and deep market knowledge, she helps buyers, sellers, and investors navigate complex real estate decisions with confidence while delivering highly personalized service across every stage of the process. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Nicole Hay’s transition from ad sales to real estate after buying her first NYC apartment * How she balances motherhood and a demanding career through organization, boundaries, and strong support systems * The deals that shaped her career, including a REBNY Deal of the Year Award-winning transaction * Why building a team transformed Nicole’s business, enabling collaboration, specialization, and stronger client outcomes * Current NYC market trends, including parents buying for post-grads and migration to emerging Brooklyn neighborhoods * Nicole’s listing strategy, from staging and photography to creating listings that stand out and attract buyers Learn more about Nicole Hay: * Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-hay-64838990/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-hay-64838990/] * Follow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nypowerbroker/ [https://www.instagram.com/nypowerbroker/] * Visit Nicole’s website: https://nicolehayteam.com/ [https://nicolehayteam.com/] * Email Nicole: nicole.hay@compass.com [nicole.hay@compass.com] *********************************** Check out our sponsor, Ari Brody @ Cross Country Mortgage M 845.304.8518 | D 646.586.3182 | W http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody [http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody ]| E arib@ccm.com [arib@ccm.com] *********************************** About Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: Welcome to the world of luxurious real estate and inspiring success stories with the Dominate Real Estate Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Taliya Bashani, a top real estate attorney, and Carina Tom, the president of New World Connect Title. Watch or listen to more episodes of Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: * Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG [https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG] * Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ] Connect and learn more from your hosts, Taliya & Carina: * Follow Taliya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq [https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq] * Connect with Carina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb] * Connect with Taliya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386]

Million-Dollar Deals & Strategies in Real Estate with Josh Makelan

Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina, Episode 9 In this episode of Dominate Real Estate!, Taliya Bashani & Carina Tom speak with Josh Makelan, co-founder and principal of Bridge Advisory Group. Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * Josh's career path, starting on a pre-med path, diverting into real estate, then starting his own firm   * The encouragement and advice from a client Josh received before founding his firm  * Josh’s focus on smaller Brooklyn three-to-five family and mixed-use free-market buildings  * Josh’s strategy with commissions and investments  * Lead sourcing  * Josh’s take on the current real estate market and predictions for the future   * Josh’s turning point: a $16M off-market West Village sale   * Hiring top brokers  * Josh’s selective, relationship-based growth strategy Learn more about Josh Makelan:  * View Josh’s profile on Bridge Advisory Group’s website: https://bridgenyre.com/team/joshua-malekan [https://bridgenyre.com/team/joshua-malekan]  * Email: joshua@bridgenyre.com [joshua@bridgenyre.com]  * Call: 516-761-4777  * Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-s-malekan-946163182 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-s-malekan-946163182]  * Follow Bridge Advisory Group on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeadvisorygroup [https://www.instagram.com/bridgeadvisorygroup] *********************************** Check out our sponsor, Ari Brody @ Cross Country Mortgage M 845.304.8518 | D 646.586.3182 | W http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody [http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody] | E arib@ccm.com [arib@ccm.com] *********************************** About Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: Welcome to the world of luxurious real estate and inspiring success stories with the Dominate Real Estate Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Taliya Bashani, a top real estate attorney, and Carina Tom, the president of New World Connect Title. Watch or listen to more episodes of Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina:  * Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906]  * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG [https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG]  * Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ] Connect and learn more from your hosts, Taliya & Carina:  * Follow Taliya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq [https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq]  * Connect with Carina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb]  * Connect with Taliya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386]

Following a “Path of Growth” from Tech to Broadway to Luxury Real Estate with Morgan Higgins

Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina, Episode 8 In this episode of Dominate Real Estate!, Taliya Bashani & Carina Tom speak with Morgan Higgins, a real estate agent with Brown Harris Stevens. Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * Morgan’s path from a tech job during the pandemic into real estate, influenced by her parents’ investing background  * Investing lessons like buying in the “path of growth,” targeting emerging neighborhoods, and keeping a cash reserve for repairs  * Examples of how these lessons are seen in reality across New York City  * Working on a team, delegating, building a social brand, and how tech and AI can enhance but not replace human connection  * Morgan’s Broadway role in “Bad Cinderella,” comparing acting resilience to real estate  * Why Morgan prefers buyers over sellers in today’s market  * Advice to break into luxury real estate via mentors and broker previews  * Lead generation through rentals, contact tracking, newsletters/CRM, networking, and social media Learn more about Morgan Higgins:  * Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-higgins-pereira-333833a6 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-higgins-pereira-333833a6⁠]  * View Morgan’s profile on Brown Harris Stevens’ website: https://www.bhsusa.com/agents/morgan-higgins [https://www.bhsusa.com/agents/morgan-higgins⁠] *********************************** Check out our sponsor, Ari Brody @ Cross Country Mortgage M 845.304.8518 | D 646.586.3182 | W http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody [http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody] | E arib@ccm.com [arib@ccm.com] *********************************** About Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: Welcome to the world of luxurious real estate and inspiring success stories with the Dominate Real Estate Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Taliya Bashani, a top real estate attorney, and Carina Tom, the president of New World Connect Title. Watch or listen to more episodes of Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina:  * Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906]  * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG [https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG]  * Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ] Connect and learn more from your hosts, Taliya & Carina:  * Follow Taliya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq [https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq]  * Connect with Carina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb]  * Connect with Taliya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386]

Essential Qualities & Strategies that Define Success in Luxury Real Estate with Daniel Kent

Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina, Episode 7 In this episode of Dominate Real Estate!, Taliya Bashani & Carina Tom speak with real estate agent, Daniel Kent. Please note: Since the recording of this interview, Daniel Kent has left Douglas Elliman to form The New York Collaborative at SERHANT. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Daniel’s journey from working in construction in Wisconsin, moving frequently as a child, and eventually relocating to New York City * Daniel’s initial steps into real estate * The importance of mentorship * Daniel’s strategic focus on securing exclusive listings and new developments * Daniel’s most memorable and challenging closing, which involved managing a complex bidding war among five clients * The significance of relationships, trust, and transparency in real estate * Daniel’s aspirations to grow his business further by delegating tasks and mentoring new agents Learn more about Daniel Kent: * Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kent-640018237 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kent-640018237] * View Daniel’s profile on homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/daniel-kent/02hd1c1 [https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/daniel-kent/02hd1c1] * View Daniel’s profile on serhant.com: https://serhant.com/agents/daniel-kent [https://serhant.com/agents/daniel-kent] * Follow Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdanielkent [https://www.instagram.com/therealdanielkent] * Email Daniel: daniel.kent@serhant.com [daniel.kent@serhant.com] *********************************** Check out our sponsor, Ari Brody @ Cross Country Mortgage M 845.304.8518 | D 646.586.3182 | W http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody [http://ccm.com/Ari-Brody ] | E arib@ccm.com [arib@ccm.com] *********************************** About Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: Welcome to the world of luxurious real estate and inspiring success stories with the Dominate Real Estate Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Taliya Bashani, a top real estate attorney, and Carina Tom, the president of New World Connect Title. Watch or listen to more episodes of Dominate Real Estate with Taliya & Carina: * Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dominate-real-estate-with-taliya-carina/id1692689906] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG [https://open.spotify.com/show/5x8QNiynUSPhBkTkHQKZyG] * Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEH5ZEcTM2v8ZgLyiYUHLQ] Connect and learn more from your hosts, Taliya & Carina: * Follow Taliya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq [https://www.instagram.com/taliya_esq] * Connect with Carina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-tom-7b1a562bb] * Connect with Taliya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliya-bashani-esq-2114386]